By Samantha Maciag

Certain cancer drugs in short supply in Canada

May 17, 2011 | 11:33 AM

Hospital pharmacies in parts of Canada are keeping a close eye on certain cancer drugs that are in short supply.

Here in Saskatchewan, the province isn’t having that problem.

Scott Livingstone, CEO of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, says shortages have been known to them for more than a year.

“Today, we do not have shortages of any of the drugs that are listed, excluding a drug that wasn’t on the list. It’s a drug called thyrogen, which is in worldwide shortage.”

There is no thyrogen in Saskatchewan. However, it’s not considered a chemotherapy treatment. The drug is used to support patients when they’re going through thyroid scans.

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Livingstone says the thyrogen shortage is not affecting patient care in the province.

“We do not currently have a shortage but that can change. We’ve had trouble getting the product but do have product on the shelf today and we haven’t had to change the treatment plans for cancer patients because of it,” said Livingstone.

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